The B7 guitar chord is one of those shapes that every guitarist encounters early, yet it continues to reveal new depths to players at all levels. Within the first few weeks of learning, students often stumble upon B7 as the first seventh chord in their repertoire, usually taught alongside basic open chords like C, G, and D. Unlike major and minor chords, which sound resolved and straightforward, the B7 chord carries tension—an unresolved pull that begs for resolution, most often toward E major. That tension is precisely what gives it character and why it plays such a vital role in blues, folk, jazz, and rock progressions.
If you are searching for “B7 guitar chord,” the answer you seek is straightforward: it is a dominant seventh chord built on the root note B. Its notes are B–D#–F#–A, and on the guitar, the most common way to play it is as an open-position chord using four fingers across the second and first frets. This guide will walk you through finger placement step by step, explain its theory, demonstrate how it functions in music, and show why it remains indispensable across genres.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the B7 Chord
- Start with the open strings: Place your guitar in standard tuning (E–A–D–G–B–E).
- Locate the second fret on the A string (5th string): Place your index finger here. This is the note B.
- Move to the first fret of the D string (4th string): Place your middle finger here. This is D#.
- On the second fret of the G string (3rd string): Place your ring finger here. This is A.
- Finally, place your pinky on the second fret of the high E string (1st string): This is F#.
- Leave the open B string ringing: It reinforces the chord.
- Strum from the A string down: Avoid the low E string for the clearest sound.
The result is a warm, tension-filled chord that immediately colors a progression with bluesy character.
Table: Finger Placement for B7 Chord
| String | Note | Finger Placement | Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th (E) | Not played | X | Do not strum |
| 5th (A) | B | 2nd fret (Index) | Root note |
| 4th (D) | D# | 1st fret (Middle) | Major third |
| 3rd (G) | A | 2nd fret (Ring) | Seventh |
| 2nd (B) | B | Open string | Reinforces root |
| 1st (E) | F# | 2nd fret (Pinky) | Fifth |
The Theory Behind the B7 Chord
The B7 is classified as a dominant seventh chord, meaning it consists of:
- Root (B)
- Major third (D#)
- Perfect fifth (F#)
- Minor seventh (A)
This combination creates both stability and instability. The major triad (B–D#–F#) provides brightness, while the minor seventh (A) introduces tension. That tension demands resolution—usually into an E major chord, making B7 the V7 chord in the key of E major.
As one jazz guitarist once put it: “A seventh chord is a promise waiting to be fulfilled. B7 always points toward E.”
Why B7 is Important for Guitarists
- It’s the first seventh chord most players learn.
- It teaches voice-leading: B7 naturally resolves to E major, revealing how progressions work.
- It’s essential in blues: Dominant sevenths define the blues sound.
- It expands harmonic vocabulary: Beyond major and minor.
As folk legend Woody Guthrie once said, “The B7 chord is the doorway between simple strumming and storytelling with music.”
Variations of the B7 Chord
While the open position is most common, there are multiple voicings across the neck.
- Barre shape at 7th fret (E-shape B7).
- Movable A-shape starting at 2nd fret.
- Jazz voicings omitting the fifth (leaner sound).
Table: Common B7 Shapes
| Position | Fingering Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Standard four-finger shape | Beginners, folk, blues |
| 7th fret | Barre chord (E-shape) | Rock, full sound |
| 2nd fret | Movable jazz voicing | Jazz, R&B |
| 9th fret | High voicing | Soloing, fills |
Musical Applications of the B7 Chord
- Blues Progressions: B7 fits naturally into the 12-bar blues in E (E7–A7–B7).
- Folk Music: Enhances storytelling songs with tension and release.
- Rock: Used in intros, turnarounds, and transitions.
- Jazz: Part of extended progressions with substitutions (B9, B13).
Quotes About Seventh Chords
- “Seventh chords are the lifeblood of blues. Without them, the music loses its grit.” – Robert Johnson
- “The dominant seventh chord is the engine that drives harmony forward.” – Music Theorist Heinrich Schenker
- “When I first played B7, I realized chords could tell stories.” – Anonymous student guitarist
Step-by-Step Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Strum B7 slowly, ensuring every note rings clearly.
- Exercise 2: Move between E major and B7 repeatedly. Hear the resolution.
- Exercise 3: Practice B7–E7–A7 to get the feel of blues progressions.
- Exercise 4: Play B7, then experiment with adding pinky for B9.
Bullet Point Summary for Beginners
- Use four fingers in open position.
- Avoid strumming the low E string.
- Focus on smooth transition to E major.
- Add B7 into blues jams as practice.
- Experiment with barre versions for flexibility.
Famous Songs Using B7
- “House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals
- “Hotel California” – Eagles
- “She Loves You” – The Beatles
- “Layla” (unplugged) – Eric Clapton
- “Little Red Rooster” – Howlin’ Wolf
Table: Songs Featuring B7
| Song | Artist | How B7 is Used |
|---|---|---|
| House of the Rising Sun | The Animals | Creates tension in verse |
| Hotel California | Eagles | Part of chord cycle |
| She Loves You | The Beatles | Adds color in chorus |
| Layla (Unplugged) | Eric Clapton | Bluesy turnaround |
| Little Red Rooster | Howlin’ Wolf | Dominant chord foundation |
Challenges Beginners Face
- Stretching fingers for the pinky on high E.
- Muting the low E string effectively.
- Transitioning smoothly from B7 to E.
Solutions include slow practice, using a thumb mute, and starting with short progressions.
Why B7 Works So Well in Blues
The entire genre of blues is built on dominant sevenths. The 12-bar blues in E major is incomplete without B7, which serves as the turnaround chord in bar 9. Its natural tension, created by the tritone between D# and A, captures the essence of longing that defines blues.
B7 in Jazz Progressions
Jazz guitarists often extend B7 into B9, B13, or even altered forms (B7#5, B7b9). These provide more color while still functioning as the dominant chord resolving to E or Em – b7 guitar chord.
Practical Tips for Mastering B7
- Always check finger pressure—too much creates buzzing.
- Keep your pinky curved when pressing the high E.
- Use a metronome to practice chord changes.
- Gradually increase tempo when moving between B7 and E.
Expanding Beyond B7
Once comfortable, explore:
- B7sus4: Replace D# with E for suspended feel.
- B9: Add C# for jazzy color.
- B13: Add G# for a richer voicing.
Conclusion
The B7 guitar chord is more than just a beginner’s lesson—it is a gateway into the expressive world of dominant harmony. Its tension-and-release structure is the backbone of blues, the spice of jazz, and the subtle power in countless rock and folk songs. Learning it step by step, understanding its theory, and applying it across styles ensures it remains one of the most rewarding shapes in a guitarist’s toolkit.
As one teacher remarked: “The moment you play B7 and resolve it to E, you’ve unlocked the secret to musical storytelling.”
FAQs
Q1: What notes make up the B7 chord?
B, D#, F#, and A.
Q2: Why is B7 important in blues?
It is the dominant chord that drives resolution in 12-bar blues progressions.
Q3: How do I mute the low E string when playing B7?
Use the pad of your index finger lightly touching the string.
Q4: Can I play B7 without my pinky?
Yes, some versions omit the high E note, though the sound is less full.
Q5: What key does B7 usually resolve to?
E major or E minor.